Testing Guidance

·         Test results must be submitted to testresults@ssdhds.org and will be kept confidential.

·         Only PCR test results will be accepted as valid.

·         Following the winter break, testing should occur on or after Jan. 6th  to be accepted. We will not accept tests done prior to Jan. 6th. Please be aware that there may be some delays in getting test results, which may delay your child’s return to in-person learning.

·         Health plans are required to cover COVID-19 tests at no cost to the enrollee. It is recommended that you first contact your healthcare provider for a COVID-19 test.

·         If you are unable to get a test from your healthcare provider, the County of San Diego (County) has coordinated free diagnostic COVID-19 testing at many locations. These tests take about 5-10 minutes, although with rising COVID cases, wait times can be a few hours long. Results generally come back in approximately 3-5 days.

·         For children, it is first recommended that you contact your healthcare provider or pediatrician.

• Most children, youth, and their caregivers can receive testing through the COVID-19 Collaborative for Children in partnership with Rady Children's Hospital. Contact your Rady pediatrician or e-mail covidcollaborative@rchsd.org for more information. 
• Children, youth and caregivers covered by Kaiser Permanente should consult with their pediatrician or physician provider directly, or through www.kp.org.

·         If you are unable to get a test for your child from your healthcare provider, children 6 months and older are able to be tested at any County-coordinated test site.

• Most testing locations do not require an appointment. Please see the County Testing Location and/or County Testing Schedule for location-specific details.